On the eve of yet another summit
I should be relieved that the barricades are absent, but there’s something about a security checkpoint that sets my nerves on edge. The city is back in the arms of the nation’s finest, as we prepare to welcome the leaders of sixty-nine states and governments. None of which we’ll see, because the public can’t approach the venue.
In fact, we’re already feeling the disadvantage of too many security people in a small geographic area (an estimated 4000 from Canadian forces alone). Take this morning, as I checked my watch, realized I was two minutes earlier than usual and decided to get a muffin on the way to the office. Bran and raisin, for the curious. The front doors to the office complex were locked, but a group of Mounties in yellow trim pointed to the stairwell leading down to the coffee shop. Where a security checkpoint was in place, complete with walkthrough metal detector and a full X-ray machine for any luggage.
This was not an airport. This was in the mall hallway, within two metres of my muffin vendor. I’m in a two minute window of opportunity, so I simply tried to walk around the security queue. Which didn’t please the “man in blue”. I explained that I was not here for their summit, that in fact I was a regular between transit buses and I wanted to go there. Right by his elbow. I think my reply so surprised him that he didn’t have any choice: I got my muffin and beat a very hasty retreat.
Given that they were in place a full twenty-four hours earlier than announced, it was the least they could do. Similar game this afternoon, when I decided to go an buy coffee in the same part of the city. No, really, coffee this time, ground to my specification by “Kimmee 18” who actually remembers my order from month to month. This time, the sidewalks were fenced off, so the hundreds of people waiting for an express bus home were able to test the safety of city streets, while the dozens of assembled police watched for any danger in their sector. Again, a full day earlier than announced.
Tomorrow, I’ll find an alternate route from there to here, even if it takes longer. Wouldn’t want to cause any delay in the summit, as the hundreds of police took care of public safety. No public = safety.
